Mito UNESCO Association
from the 12/04 paper Ibaraki Report
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In this article we focus on the Mito UNESCO Association. Mr. Matsumura, the representative of the association, is a professor of Ibaraki University
. We interviewed him and his students belonging to Ibaraki University's UNESCO club.
Please tell us about the Mito UNESCO Association's focus and activities.
There are 7 UNESCO associations in Ibaraki (280 nationwide). The association in Mito runs an international course for children, an international camp for children that students attend and a world heritage course for citizens. The world heritage course is designed for participants who want to learn about various places they may have visited or intend to visit. We always have a good turnout for this course.
How did the Mito Association get started?
Picture books for children provided the initial impetus. Around that time, as part of a child library activity, we became aware that UNESCO published many good books for children. At the time, which was during the civil war in Cambodia, one of the activities of the UNESCO was distributing picture books of Cambodia. These books were intended to educate people about the situation in Cambodia. Speaking out about the situation in Cambodia provided the initial focus of our activities. When we started, many people did not know that UNESCO existed. Over the last 10 years, the number of student volunteers has increased, so we've been able to take on more projects.
Your chief focus is expanding global awareness and involvement through various educational cultural activities, isn't it?
That's right. Our next task concerns environmental issues. The state of the environment is a crucial issue faced by countries all over the world that we will be addressing for generations. In our initial hands-on efforts, we focus on the water quality of Lake Kitaura (北浦湖) in league with the Asaza Project, and discuss how water quality affects an ecosystem. We have held workshops on that topic that have been very popular among members.
From a personal point of view, what do you find particularly gratifying about working with volunteers?
I find students to be very interested in global cooperation, and their activities and aspirations grow in tandem with their various experiences. I find that their horizons broaden considerably after they have volunteered abroad. Such experiences provide them with opportunities for growth and self-mastery. Students who study and volunteer abroad in life-education courses or study meetings often forge close ties with people who live in the area. We find that we are treated very well in a context of exploring ideas of substance with local people.
Do you have any future plans for the group?
We hope to increase activities on the everyday level. We especially would like to get involved in the children's activities. Those who participate would need not money but, rather, simply the time, energy, and desire to join in. For instance, we'd like to convey to children and parents those games from around the world which are similar to Ishikeri (石蹴り hopscotch) or Janken (じゃんけん rock-paper-scissors). In this way, we can learn about other countries and demonstrate cultural similarities while strengthening the bind between parents and children. I look forward to the day when there is a UNESCO association in every city in Ibaraki.
What do you think of the current state of international exchanges in Ibaraki? How might we develop the notion of international exchange?
I think that foreigners in Japan experience a number of problems. We need to provide them with a place where they can connect with people in the community. For example, we recently gave some lectures on Islamic culture. Islamic culture differs considerably from Japanese culture, so I think that it is important to deepen mutual understanding and bridge the differences.
A "UNESCO club" was founded a year ago at Ibaraki University, and I was able to speak with a few of the members.
How do you benefit from volunteering?
Though at first I was not used at all to volunteering, I sensed that it was something I'd take to readily. Getting involved and volunteering is very different from other aspects of university living; it really expands my perspective.
Three members participated in the "UNESCO Study Tour." How did it go?
We went to Karnataka on the Deccan Plateau in India. It's rather a developed area, but there remain pockets of underdevelopment. UNESCO financial supports a group called the "World Terakoya" movement, that builds schools and focuses on child development. Going there gave me a chance to get to know young leaders in the community who confront problems very different from my daily life. It was difficult for me to understand their situation; I continually was asking myself "Why?" at every turn. The people have a profound sense of spirituality that I tried to understand. Poverty doesn't necessarily depress one's spirit: I was very impressed by the fact the happy, shining eyes of the children, irrespective of the hardships they have in their lives.
What would you say to someone who is interested in volunteering?
Mr. Matsumura: Successful volunteering benefits others as well as yourself. Volunteering is habit-forming, and it’s a great habit to develop.
Member: To all young people, I say, "Please join us!"
The Mito UNESCO Association was founded in 1981. It has today 70 members and meets every month on the third Saturday.
See the UNESCO-Japan English website for more information.